About this project

Jamboxx® allows you to play virtually any synthesized instrument completely hands-free or hand-held similar to a harmonica. Jamboxx is for everyone, from stage musicians to kids, parents, music instructors and students, rehab specialists and gamers. Please like us on our official Facebook page.

How Does Jamboxx Work?

Jamboxx connects to a Mac or PC via USB cable. Our software communicates with Jamboxx to give visual feedback on what note position you are on based on the positioning of the mouthpiece. Our program works with most VST, AU or MIDI devices. Our Pro Suite utilizes sounds from industry leading IK Multimedia’s Sampletank and allows you to access and integrate with programs like Garage Band, Ableton Live, Pro Tools etc. Jamboxx can be played hand-held or it can be placed in a bracket for hands-free use.

Why hands-free? Jamboxx was originally designed and developed by two friends: Dave and Mike. Dave, a quadriplegic - the result of a skiing accident, has very limited use of his hands, and for years used only a harmonica as his musical outlet. They sought a new instrument that would allow for Dave to be able to produce the sounds of electric guitar, trumpet and saxophone, and others. So they created Jamboxx, an affordable, completely digital controller that’s extremely easy to play.
The beta version of Jamboxx is currently in use by a limited number of enthusiasts in five countries. We have spent the past two years designing our commercial unit and we’re ready to start production. With your help, we can bring this new instrument to everyone. Please join our community and help make Jamboxx a reality!

Software and Manufacturing

Jamboxx is a powerful combination of hardware and software. Our software is made by 1st Playable Productions in Troy NY, a leading computer and console game developer.
The software immerses you in the Jamboxx experience immediately. In no time you’ll be playing any instrument, in any scale and key, all using the same intuitive and fun techniques. The software provides almost limitless instrument settings and selections so that you can make your Jamboxx sound just the way you want.

Jamboxx is manufactured by Harbec Plastics in Rochester, NY. Harbec is a state of the art facility that makes a wide variety of specialty products. Their designers and experts have made Jamboxx as sleek and durable as possible to allow you countless hours of musical enjoyment.

Our Team

We are proud that Jamboxx is designed, developed, produced and assembled entirely in New York State. Our team consists not only of the four of us, but our committed corporate partners who have supported us and lent their time and expertise over the years.

Dave, Mike and Doug

Mike DiCesare and Dave Whalen: our creative, persistent and determined developers. They have spent years dwelling on every last detail of the Jamboxx.

Sue Whalen: Dave’s sister, is an experienced business person who has provided financial, business and operational expertise along with ever-present sisterly encouragement.

Doug Hamlin: an experienced software company executive, brings strategic planning and business experience to position Jamboxx for long term success.

Risks and challenges

There are 50 Beta Jamboxx units in the field that have undergone extensive real world testing. It is the mass production of our final design that we are embarking on now. We have a prototype, and instead of making 50, we will make thousands. My Music Machines, Inc. along with our manufacturers and parts suppliers are prepared and eager to meet the challenges that arise with mass production. We have chosen partners with long histories of successful production from launch to follow through.

FAQ

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Pledge $1 or more
About $1.00

Every dollar is important to us! We will personally recognize every $1 backer on our Facebook page and the Jamboxx web site. You'll be part of the Jamboxx community devoted to new and creative ways to make music.

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Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Generous pledges of $20 or more will create a fund that will go exclusively to provide Jamboxx units to individuals with disabilities, rehab centers, advocacy groups and other grateful recipients who would have no other way to enjoy the benefits of Jamboxx.

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Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Jamboxx T-shirt and sticker package. Why just apply stickers when you can wear your Jamboxx pride? For $25 you can do both! This "Kickstarter Edition" T-shirt will be available only to $25 backers. Share with your friends that you were an early supporter by wearing this shirt as frequently as your laundry schedule allows! International Backers please add $15 for shipping.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $299 or more
About $299

Jamboxx Early Bird Special. Be among the first 150 people on earth to own a Jamboxx at this one-time low price. The Jamboxx community is going to grow very quickly and you'll know that you were there at the beginning. You'll get special recognition on our web site and Facebook page that you are a Jamboxx visionary. Our anticipated retail price is going to be at least $399 so be sure you take advantage of the most savings possible! International Backers please add $50 for shipping.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $349 or more
About $349

If you missed the Early Bird Special, you can still get a great deal. Your $349 pledge gets you in on the ground floor of the Jamboxx community. You'll be the first in your group to own this unique new instrument and you can encourage your friends to get one by dazzling them with your musical talents! International Backers please add $50 for shipping.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $399 or more
About $399

Make your Jamboxx even cooler with a color skin. Choose from four different skins to give your Jamboxx just the right attitude. When Jamboxx goes on sale, this will be a premium service so pledge now! These skins both protect and decorate your Jamboxx. International Backers please add $50 for shipping.

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Pledge $429 or more
About $429

Custom Jamboxx. Your pledge of $429 will enable you to customize the look of your Jamboxx completely. You can send us any image you want (within reason) and we'll make a skin for your Jamboxx that will differentiate it from every other device in the world. International Backers please add $50 for shipping.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

This reward level allows us to provide a deserving organization with: 1 Jamboxx, 10 mouthpieces extra adaptive equipment, music education programs for groups including improvisational backtracks and two hours of education and training support from our company. Recipients can experience the joy of making music and art in this new and exciting way. We have seen firsthand the magic that happens when an individual expresses themselves again (or for the first time!) using Jamboxx.

The grateful organization will also receive a plaque commemorating your generosity, and we will feature them on our web site and at music and arts events that we attend during 2013.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Be a named corporate or individual sponsor of our national kickoff event featuring adaptive music and art technology.
Backers at this prestigious reward level will receive a Jamboxx, 20 mouthpieces, extra adaptive equipment, music education programs for groups including improvisational backtracks and two hours of education and training support from our company. Become a named supporter of our virtual art gallery and music exhibition. Help to fund a live concert of adaptive music enthusiasts where people of all abilities will gather to create and share their talent and creativity.

You will also receive a plaque commemorating your generosity, and we will feature them on our web site and at music and arts events that we attend during 2013.